HB 1256, from Rep. Natasha Hill (D–Spokane), requires that public works projects funded with $500,000 or more of state funds must use materials that are manufactured in the U.S.

Specifically, the iron, steel, aluminum, and manufactured products used for work under the project’s contract or any subcontract must be U.S. manufactured.

The bill effectively applies the federal requirements of the Build America, Buy America Act to public works projects funded by the state of Washington.

The new requirements may be waived by the city if the city determines that:

• Meeting the requirements would be inconsistent with the public interest;
• The materials and products are not produced in the U.S in sufficient or reasonably available quantities and of satisfactory quality; or
• Inclusion of domestically produced material will increase the cost of the overall project by more than 25%.

Cities must provide public notice, hold a 30-day public comment period, and publish a detailed justification of the decision that addresses the public comments received, before making the final determination on whether to waive the bill’s requirements.

Date to remember

HB 1256 is scheduled for public hearing in the House Capital Budget Committee on January 30 at 1:30 pm.